WHEN Finley Quaye burst onto the British Music scene in 1997, his debut album Maverick A Strike, quickly established him as one of the hottest new artists around.

He’d previously made his money spraying cars, smoking fish, making futons, and as a stage-rigger and scaffolder before realising his musical dream and scoring a string of top ten hits, such as Sunday Shining, Even After All. Maverick was a groundbreaking record that defined the summer of 1997 and beyond, winning Finley a BRIT for BestŠMaleŠArtist in '98 and aŠMobo Award for best reggae act in '97.

Purportedly the uncle of Tricky and the brother of prominent guitar sideman Caleb Quaye, Finley Quaye could definitely have relied on nepotism to get himself a recording contract. Fortunately, his sweet voice and feel for a soul groove were the leading indicators in his signing to the Haiku label.

After collaborating with A Guy Called Gerald and becoming friends with Iggy Pop, Quaye began recording vocals for Tricky's third album Angels With Dirty Faces.

Four years after his critically acclaimed debut, Quaye resurfaced with Vanguard; a new outlook and musical visions were well rounded and a maturation marked the result. Much More Than Much Love followed in 2004.

This Autumn he’s coming to Eric’s. Tickets go on sale today, and it promises to be a great gig.